Locus of control and expectation of control in EMG biofeedback / D.A. Pratt-Poskus. --

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Abstract

This study examined the importance of cognitions in the feelings
of self-control on task performance and on certain subjective
states, via electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback training. Subjects
in a "misled” EMG feedback group were led to believe that they had
successfully reduced their EMG levels (induced cognition of
self control); in actuality, the subjects in the misled group
were yoked to subjects receiving feedback contingent oii their
ovv'n EMG levels; thus, the feedback received by the misled
group ’vvas that of their contingent EMG feedback counterparts.
The effects of this treatment v/ere explored in relation to
feelings of self control via Rotter's I-E scale, EMG task
performance during two training trials, state-trait anxiety
levels via the 3tate-Tra.it Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and other
subjective states via some self-report questionnaires. These
data were compared to those of the EMG group receiving feedback
contingent on their own EMG levels and to a control group which
was also yoked to the contingent feedback group, but who were
informed that this was the case.